desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : The demolition of a statue of Lord Vishnu amid the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute is gaining momentum. A video of the Thai army demolishing the statue with a backhoe loader went viral on social media, sparking strong reactions.
Thailand's explanation
The Thai-Cambodian Border Press Center issued a statement on Thursday, December 25, stating that the structure was not a registered religious site. Thailand clarified that the removal of the statue was solely for area management and security reasons, and not intended to offend any religion or belief.
Cambodia's accusation
According to AFP news agency, Lim Chanpanha, spokesman for Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, said the statue was located in the An Ses area, deep within Cambodian territory. He said the statue, built in 2014, was about 100 meters from the border and was revered by Buddhist and Hindu followers.
Claims and counterclaims regarding sovereignty
The Thai statement said the statue was built in the disputed Chong An Ma area and was illegally installed by Cambodian troops to assert sovereignty over Thai territory. The Thai administration expressed respect for all religions and regretted any inconvenience caused by misunderstanding.
India's strong reaction
India condemned the incident, saying such acts hurt the sentiments of followers worldwide. Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said the destruction of a religious symbol in an area affected by an ongoing border dispute was unjustified.
Appeal for peace and dialogue
India urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy to prevent loss of life and property. It is noteworthy that the conflict between the two countries began in July and was brokered by the US through a ceasefire, but tensions have escalated again this month.
Read More: America now bombs ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says – Merry Christmas
--Advertisement--
